Category: Uncategorized

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Updated on 9 February Read the reply from Alistair Jarvis, CEO of UUK to Sussex UCU Exec and Reps. In particular we draw attention to: We [UUK] will do all we can to ensure it is clear when he [the Sussex VC] is representing the collective position of employers [as opposed to the University of…

BA Language & Intercultural studies at risk of withdrawal at University of Sussex

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A new BA Language and Intercultural studies, which was given the go-ahead only in October 2020, is now at risk of withdrawal at the University of Sussex, despite the current number of applicants (27) and 1 confirmed student. This amount of interest has been achieved even though this degree has still not been properly advertised…

Sussex rent strike and on-campus rents since 2010

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From 12 January 2021, hundreds of students at the University of Sussex will be joining a rent strike called by the Sussex Renters Union. Participating in a broader movement of UK University Rent Strikes, Sussex students announced on 1 December their intention to withhold their rent on University accommodation until their five demands are met.…

A run through the Sussex financial statements 2020

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The Sussex University Financial Statements 2019-2020 are now available. This blog post points to some highlights. Financial statements [1] are made up of the narrative on strategy and governance, the auditor’s report, and then the actual statements of: (i) Income and expenditure including executive remuneration, p29 (ii) Balance sheet, p30 (iii) Cash flow and changes…

Why are UEG and Council refusing to share the Sussex response to the UUK USS 2020 consultation?

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Unlike other university leaders, the Chair of Council and UEG continue to refuse to share Sussex’s response to the recent UUK consultation on the USS 2020 valuation. This valuation is critical in determining the future of the scheme, since it proposes increases to contribution rates from the current level of 30.7% to between 40.8% and…

UEG/UCU Joint Statement on Spring Semester Teaching

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This week, following intensive negotiations, we agreed a joint statement with the University Executive Group on face-to-face teaching in the Spring Semester. The full statement is below and is also available on the university website. Although we continue to believe that, with necessary exceptions, all face-to-face teaching should be moved online, our key objective was…

Statement of Solidarity for IT staff at Brighton University

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Photo credit: Ryan Burns Sussex University staff and students stand in solidarity with all colleagues at Brighton University, and particularly those IT staff facing redundancy. Now more than ever, IT services are at the centre of university life. From providing vital support for students and staff, to facilitating essential digital infrastructures holding the university together…

Joint unions statement on call for staff to volunteer to help with mass Covid-19 testing

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One month ago Sussex University staff were asked to answer a poll on cost cutting within the University. This understandably prompted concerns about job security, pay and working conditions, and we are still awaiting an update on the University’s financial situation or what cost cutting measures may be implemented. One week ago all staff were…

15 reasons why face-to-face teaching should not be compulsory in a pandemic

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The position of Sussex UCU, as confirmed by vote in our EGM of 28 September, is that face-to-face (in-person) teaching, like all on-campus work during the pandemic, should be voluntary, and not compulsory, and should not carry the threat of disciplinary actions and dismissal. Sussex UCU supports the UCU national position that universities should take…

In-person teaching during the pandemic: is it really about student mental health?

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